Prototyping Structure of Rule Bases

Abstract

Designing a knowledge base for a RBS is a tedious task. The main issue concerns the identification of system properties on which the rules are based. This is an iterative process that needs proper support. This stage is often generally referred to as the conceptual design. The focus of the ARD+ method presented in this chapter is the initial transition from user-provided specification (often in natural language) that includes general concepts, to the rule specification that tie rules with these concepts. Moreover, the semi-automated prototyping of the structure of the knowledge bases is possible. The schemas of XTT decision tables can be obtained, along with default inference links between tables. We introduce the main intuitions behind the ARD+ method and its formalization. Then an algorithm for prototyping the structure of the XTT rule base is given. The design with ARD+ can be also used to generate a business process with rules.